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The Patriot Missile: Aerial Defense Against Enemy Infiltrations

The Patriot surface-to-air missile system, officially known as the
MIM-104, is an important part of Israel’s aerial defense. Designed by
the American company Raytheon, this ground-to-air, long-range missile is
able to intercept and shoot down all types of aircraft. Drones,
helicopters and fighter jets can all be targeted from a distance of
160 km. During the IDF’s most recent operation, the system executed its
first three interceptions in the past 20 years.

Lieutenant Uri
Regev was the operations officer of two Patriot batteries located in
Israel’s Southern District during Operation Protective Edge. “As the
operations officer, my mission is to train the soldiers during times of
quiet, as well as to act as quickly as possible during emergency
situations,” he said.The First Patriot Interceptions in 20 Years

“During
the operation, my soldiers and I were responsible for two Patriot
batteries in southern Israel. We intercepted two drones that had
infiltrated the country from the Gaza Strip,” said Lt. Regev.

“During the
operation, my soldiers and I were responsible for two Patriot batteries
in southern Israel. We intercepted two drones that had infiltrated the
country from the Gaza Strip,” said Lt. Regev.

These two
interceptions, the first on July 14 over Ashdod and the second on July
17 near Ashkelon, were the first in nearly 20 years for the Patriot
defense system. Thanks to their intense training (between 20 and 30
hours of simulations per week), the soldiers were well prepared and were
able to act professionally and quickly when the drones infiltrated
Israel’s airspace.

IDF officers are aware
of the current tension near Israel’s northern border with Syria and
Lebanon. “Since 2006, the ammunition pointed at Israel from the north
has continued to multiply,” summarized Lt. Col. Roy Katz, battalion
commander of the Patriot system in the north. “Faced with this palpable
tension in the north, we continue to train and further evaluate the
situation.”

On August 31, the Patriot defense system intercepted
and neutralized a drone that infiltrated Israel from Syria. This
infiltration was followed by another incident when a Syrian combat plane
infiltrated Israel on September 23. It too was intercepted by a patriot
missile.

When an enemy aircraft
threatens the security of Israel, the Israel Air Force decides how to
react and what system to use in just a few minutes. If it is decided to
use the Patriot, the “Sheinav” group takes control of the operation and
decides what battery will intercept the aircraft.

“All of the
soldiers in the ‘Sheinav’ group were in charge of activating a Patriot
battery before arriving in this position,” said Captain Ella Lasry, the
commander of the ‘Sheinav’ group. “They know the characteristics and
functions of each battery in Israel.”

“We must act as quickly as
possible,” said Capt. Lasry. “The situations that the Patriot system
faces are ones that can place the entire Israeli population at risk. It
is our duty to end these threats in a very short time.”

Lt. Regev
is also aware of the huge responsibility that rests on his shoulders.
“It is a defense system. This means that we act when an imminent attack
threatens the lives of civilians. We have no room for errors.”

“Although the Patriot
system is technologically advanced system, it can not function without
its soldiers,” insisted Lt. Regev. “A human being is required to
activate the system, as intelligent as it is.”

During Operation
Protective Edge, many reserve soldiers were called to lend a hand to the
soldiers operating the Patriot system. “They left their homes, families
and jobs in order to come and serve here. Our soldiers worked
tirelessly, 24/7 throughout the operation in order to ensure the safety
of the country. We are very proud of each and every one of them.”